The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the US is warning people regarding
an email phishing scheme that uses the name of the agency and FBI in
order to infect computers with ransomware and then demand money to
unlock files.
The message states that in light of the changes to tax laws
in the country, a questionnaire is required to be answered by the
receiver. To create a sense of urgency, it further notes that the form
should be signed and sent back within 10 days. However, the link
provided will instead download ransomware that will encrypt files on the
host computer.
“This is a new twist on an old scheme,” said IRS
Commissioner John Koskinen. “People should stay vigilant against email
scams that try to impersonate the IRS and other agencies that try to
lure you into clicking a link or opening an attachment. People with a
tax issue won’t get their first contact from the IRS with a threatening
email or phone call."
The IRS advises that victims of the scheme should not pay
the ransom demanded by the cyber criminals. It also emphasizes that the
agency does not use email, text messages, or social media to discuss tax
issues with those concerned.
Ransomware that use the identity of government agencies have been around for quite a while. These are known as "police ransomware,"
where users are accused of doing something they did not do, demanding
money in exchange for the freedom of their device. Since it looks to be
from authority, more people fall victim to the scam, therefore bringing
in more money for the criminals.
As mentioned above, it is not ideal to shell out money to
pay the demand. This encourages those behind it to continue the
business. It is also not guaranteed that
the system or files will be unlocked. Paying attention to the files we
download and links we click on will go a long way already, in order to
stay safe online.
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